Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services

At College Street Motors, we understand that the best way to care for your car or truck is to follow the service intervals that your vehicle's manufacturer recommends. Servicing all brands, models, imports and fuel systems in Amherst, College Street Motors has the tools and expertise to make sure your ride runs exactly as its manufacturer intended it to. From reminding you about routine service intervals to ensuring that all fluids, filters, and hoses are in optimal condition, College Street Motors takes care of your vehicle and leaves you with one less item on your to do list.

Contact us at 413-253-3200, or send us an email, and our experts will be happy to answer your questions and determine what needs to be done.

Our basic auto maintenance services include:

30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps keep your vehicle operating at peak condition while also prolonging its life. Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team of experts can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:

• Fluid replacements
• Oil and Filter changes
• Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
• Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
• With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable

Auto Detailing

Exterior detailing involves cleaning and restoring or exceeding the original condition of the surface of the car's finish (usually a paint with a glossy finish), chrome trim, windows, wheels, and tires, as well as other visible components on the exterior of a vehicle. A wide array of products and techniques are used to do this based on the surface type, surface condition, or the detailer's preference. Products include, but are not limited to: detergents and acid free degreasers (to break down dirt and soil), detail clay (to remove embedded contaminates), waxes and polishes (to resurface and then improve reflectivity), as well as a variety of applicators, brushes, and drying towels.

Interior detailing involves a deep cleaning of the whole interior cabin. Automobile interiors of the last 50 years have a variety of materials used inside the cabin such as synthetic carpet upholstery, vinyl, leather, various natural fibers, carbon fiber composites, plastics, and others. Different techniques and products are used to address cleaning these. Vacuuming is standard, and steam cleaning, liquid and foam chemicals, as well as brushes may be used to remove stains on upholstery. Some nonporous surfaces may also be polished.

Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on College Street Motors for all your vehicle's repair needs.

You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit College Street Motors today. The mechanics at College Street Motors will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.

Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At College Street Motors, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 413-253-3200 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.

Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance
Automotive and auto parts are accompanied by a factory-recommended service and maintenance schedule. The manufacturer specifies how often to service or replace an auto part. Keep in mind, we work on all American and imported vehicles (either diesel or gas engines). Our highly skilled auto mechanics possess the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to provide this service.

Hoses
Hoses play a critical role in transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will become dry and develop cracks. Not only should you replace the hoses with top-quality replacements, but you should also entrust this work to experts. Our mechanics will perform a comprehensive inspection of your car's hoses, replace any worn hoses, and fine-tune the newly installed ones.

Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to [SHOP NAME] in Amherst, MA.

Motor Oil Questions and Answers

What are the steps for performing an oil change?

1. Remove the plug and drain the old engine oil.
2. Remove the old oil filter.
3. Replace it with a new oil filter.
4. Replace the plug and fill with new oil.
5. Check to ensure that oil levels are correct.

What are the 4 types of engine motor oil?

There are four basic classes of engine oil used in car maintenance today. Your owner's manual will explain which type of motor oil your vehicle needs. It is important to always use the correct type of motor oil. The four types of motor oil are:

• Conventional petroleum-based motor oil - This is the most common type of motor oil used in vehicles.
• Synthetic motor oil - a lubricant made up of artificial chemical compounds derived by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules.
• Synthetic blend motor oil - a combination of common petroleum motor oil and synthetic motor oil.
• High mileage oil - This type of motor oil is most commonly used in commercial vehicles and contains additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks.

Oil Filters Questions and Answers

How often should oil filters be changed?

Consult your owner's manual to determine the maintenance interval for your vehicle's oil filter. Some manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every time you get your oil changed while others recommend every other time.

What are the three types of oil filters?

• Cellulose media filter - This is the most common type of disposable oil filter found in cars today.
• Synthetic media filter - Made from high quality synthetic fibers, also catch and remove the smallest particulates and withstand complex chemical reactions better.
• Micro glass media filters - High-end oil filters that include an extremely fine metal media or micro glass material.

Leaking Fluid Questions and Answers

What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?

If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to College Street Motors to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.

Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?

The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at College Street Motors. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.

Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?

If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.

Windshield Wipers Questions and Answers

How much does it cost to replace windshield wipers?

The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $40 and $80 including parts and labor. Come by College Street Motors in Amherst and we can replace your windshield wipers quickly and affordably.

Why are my windshield wipers not working?

If your windshield wiper won't turn on the most common reason is a blown fuse. Come by College Street Motors and we can replace the fuse quickly and affordably. Other reasons windshield wipers may fail are electrical faults in the control arm, or wiper motor. If your windshield wipers are failing to wipe away water the most likely cause is torn or worn-out wiper blades. Wiper blades are made of rubber and need to be replaced frequently.

Can I replace both windshield wiper blades or just one?

If one windshield wiper blade is worn out and failing the other is like to fail soon too. Windshield wiper blades are usually sold as a pair. It is usually more cost effective to replace both at the same time. If you have front and rear wiper blades on your vehicle, replace them at the same time as well.

Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles Questions and Answers

Why are my wheels making a chirping sound when I accelerate?

The most common reason why your car's wheels make a chirping or squealing sound, especially during acceleration is a bad wheel bearing. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel this can also be the sound of a wheel bearing beginning to fail. If you are in Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Greenfield or the surrounding area, come by College Street Motors and we can diagnose the problem quickly.

Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?

A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to College Street Motors and get it replaced right away.

Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?

If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to College Street Motors to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Amherst can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.

Can engine rattling be fixed?

Yes. Many engine rattles can be fixed quickly and affordably. The most common reason for engine rattling is a collapsed valve lifter. This needs to be repaired quickly or it can cause misfires. Other common causes that need immediate attention are a failing tensioner belt, drive belt or low oil pressure. If the rattle is intermittent, it may be a poor connection between the rod and the crankshaft. If the noise is loud, it may be a cracked flex plate or rusted heat shield. Higher mileage vehicles may have an engine rattle resulting from an engine hotspot ping, piston slap or degrading sound dampening features such as engine insulation. Sometime what sounds like an engine rattle is not the engine at all but a cracked catalytic converter.

Why is my car making a squealing noise?

It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by College Street Motors in Amherst our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.

Why do my brakes squeak?

The most common reason brakes squeak is that they are worn out. The squeak is the sound of the metal wear indicator on the brake pad coming in contact with the metal rotor. Your brakes are the top safety feature on your vehicle, so come by College Street Motors and get them replaced right away. If you hear a squeaking only when you press the brake pedal the first 2-3 times when you first start driving in the morning it is the result of overnight moisture build up and likely nothing to worry about.

Discover More About Car Care And Repair Services At College Street Motors in Amherst

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